Apple Stock Down 18% In 2025: Could Company's Ad Removals Be Hurting Brand?

Core Viewpoint - Apple Inc. may need to reassess its marketing strategy as it has pulled multiple advertisements over the past year, indicating potential issues with its advertising approach [1][6][8]. Advertising Strategy - The latest advertisement pulled was titled "The Parent Presentation," which aimed to persuade students to convince their parents to buy a Mac computer [2][3]. - This ad was shared on Apple's YouTube channel and website but was removed within a day, suggesting a lack of clarity on the reasons for its removal [3][6]. - Previous ads that were pulled included "Crush!" due to backlash and "Out of Office OOO" for stereotyping, indicating a pattern of sensitivity to public perception [4][5]. Market Focus - The recent ad targeted college and high school students, aligning with the back-to-school season, highlighting the need for Apple to develop a more effective strategy for this demographic [7]. - The company has a diverse advertising portfolio, including TV, social media, and retail stores, but the repeated ad removals suggest a need for a more cohesive marketing plan ahead of new product launches like the iPhone 17 [8]. Financial Context - Apple stock is currently trading at $202.31, reflecting a 0.40% increase, but it has seen an 18% decline year-to-date in 2025, indicating potential investor concerns amid these marketing challenges [9].